1
|
Goldstein Y, Cohen OT, Wald O, Bavli D, Kaplan T, Benny O. Particle uptake in cancer cells can predict malignancy and drug resistance using machine learning. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj4370. [PMID: 38809990 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj4370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity is a primary factor that contributes to treatment failure. Predictive tools, capable of classifying cancer cells based on their functions, may substantially enhance therapy and extend patient life span. The connection between cell biomechanics and cancer cell functions is used here to classify cells through mechanical measurements, via particle uptake. Machine learning (ML) was used to classify cells based on single-cell patterns of uptake of particles with diverse sizes. Three pairs of human cancer cell subpopulations, varied in their level of drug resistance or malignancy, were studied. Cells were allowed to interact with fluorescently labeled polystyrene particles ranging in size from 0.04 to 3.36 μm and analyzed for their uptake patterns using flow cytometry. ML algorithms accurately classified cancer cell subtypes with accuracy rates exceeding 95%. The uptake data were especially advantageous for morphologically similar cell subpopulations. Moreover, the uptake data were found to serve as a form of "normalization" that could reduce variation in repeated experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoel Goldstein
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Ora T Cohen
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Ori Wald
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Danny Bavli
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tommy Kaplan
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| | - Ofra Benny
- Institute for Drug Research, The School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112001, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jain K, Pandey A, Wang H, Chung T, Nemati A, Kanchanawong P, Sheetz MP, Cai H, Changede R. TiO 2 Nano-Biopatterning Reveals Optimal Ligand Presentation for Cell-Matrix Adhesion Formation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309284. [PMID: 38340044 PMCID: PMC11126362 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Nanoscale organization of transmembrane receptors is critical for cellular functions, enabled by the nanoscale engineering of bioligand presentation. Previously, a spatial threshold of ≤60 nm for integrin binding ligands in cell-matrix adhesion is demonstrated using monoliganded gold nanoparticles. However, the ligand geometric arrangement is limited to hexagonal arrays of monoligands, while plasmonic quenching limits further investigation by fluorescence-based high-resolution imaging. Here, these limitations are overcome with dielectric TiO2 nanopatterns, eliminating fluorescence quenching, thus enabling super-resolution fluorescence microscopy on nanopatterns. By dual-color super-resolution imaging, high precision and consistency among nanopatterns, bioligands, and integrin nanoclusters are observed, validating the high quality and integrity of both nanopattern functionalization and passivation. By screening TiO2 nanodiscs with various diameters, an increase in fibroblast cell adhesion, spreading area, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization on 100 nm diameter compared with smaller diameters was observed. Focal adhesion kinase is identified as the regulatory signal. These findings explore the optimal ligand presentation when the minimal requirements are sufficiently fulfilled in the heterogenous extracellular matrix network of isolated binding regions with abundant ligands. Integration of high-fidelity nano-biopatterning with super-resolution imaging allows precise quantitative studies to address early signaling events in response to receptor clustering and their nanoscale organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kashish Jain
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ashish Pandey
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Taerin Chung
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arash Nemati
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael P. Sheetz
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Molecular Mechanomedicine Program, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Haogang Cai
- Tech4Health Institute and Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Rishita Changede
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- TeOra Pte. Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Combriat T, Olsen PA, Låstad SB, Malthe-Sørenssen A, Krauss S, Dysthe DK. Acoustic Wave-Induced Stroboscopic Optical Mechanotyping of Adherent Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307929. [PMID: 38417124 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a novel, high content technique using a cylindrical acoustic transducer, stroboscopic fast imaging, and homodyne detection to recover the mechanical properties (dynamic shear modulus) of living adherent cells at low ultrasonic frequencies is presented. By analyzing the micro-oscillations of cells, whole populations are simultaneously mechanotyped with sub-cellular resolution. The technique can be combined with standard fluorescence imaging allowing to further cross-correlate biological and mechanical information. The potential of the technique is demonstrated by mechanotyping co-cultures of different cell types with significantly different mechanical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Combriat
- Njord Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub, University of Oslo, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences P.O. Box 1110 Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Center for Computing in Science Education, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Petter Angell Olsen
- Hybrid Technology Hub, University of Oslo, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences P.O. Box 1110 Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Silja Borring Låstad
- Njord Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Anders Malthe-Sørenssen
- Njord Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
- Center for Computing in Science Education, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub, University of Oslo, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences P.O. Box 1110 Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Dag Kristian Dysthe
- Njord Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang G, Chang Y, Fan N, Yan B, Li X, Yang Z, Yu Z. Study of the Effect of Cell Prestress on the Cell Membrane Penetration Behavior by Atomic Force Microscopy. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:397. [PMID: 36838097 PMCID: PMC9961200 DOI: 10.3390/mi14020397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, atomic force microscopes have been used for cell transfection because of their high-precision micro-indentation mode; however, the insertion efficiency of the tip of AFM into cells is extremely low. In this study, NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells cultured on a flexible dish with micro-groove patterns were subjected to various substrate strains at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. It was found that the cell stiffness depends on the prestress of the cell membrane, and that the insertion rate of AFM tips into the cell membrane is proportional to the stiffness through the AFM indentation experiment. The finite element analysis proves that prestress increases the bending stiffness of the cytoskeleton, allowing it to better support the cell membrane, which realizes the stress concentration in the contact area between the AFM tip and the cell membrane. The results indicate that the prestress contributes to the mechanical properties of the cell and suggest that the insertion efficiency could be greatly improved with an increase of the prestress of the cell membrane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Yellow River Avenue West, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Yufang Chang
- School of Accountancy, Anyang Institute of Technology, Yellow River Avenue West, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Na Fan
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 2006 Xiyuan Avenue, Hi-Tech West District, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Yellow River Avenue West, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xianmeng Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Yellow River Avenue West, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Zihan Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Yellow River Avenue West, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Zhenyang Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Yellow River Avenue West, Anyang 455000, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Morales IA, Boghdady CM, Campbell BE, Moraes C. Integrating mechanical sensor readouts into organ-on-a-chip platforms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1060895. [PMID: 36588933 PMCID: PMC9800895 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1060895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Organs-on-a-chip have emerged as next-generation tissue engineered models to accurately capture realistic human tissue behaviour, thereby addressing many of the challenges associated with using animal models in research. Mechanical features of the culture environment have emerged as being critically important in designing organs-on-a-chip, as they play important roles in both stimulating realistic tissue formation and function, as well as capturing integrative elements of homeostasis, tissue function, and tissue degeneration in response to external insult and injury. Despite the demonstrated impact of incorporating mechanical cues in these models, strategies to measure these mechanical tissue features in microfluidically-compatible formats directly on-chip are relatively limited. In this review, we first describe general microfluidically-compatible Organs-on-a-chip sensing strategies, and categorize these advances based on the specific advantages of incorporating them on-chip. We then consider foundational and recent advances in mechanical analysis techniques spanning cellular to tissue length scales; and discuss their integration into Organs-on-a-chips for more effective drug screening, disease modeling, and characterization of biological dynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christopher Moraes
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,*Correspondence: Christopher Moraes,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang EY, Zhao Y, Okhovatian S, Smith JB, Radisic M. Intersection of stem cell biology and engineering towards next generation in vitro models of human fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1005051. [PMID: 36338120 PMCID: PMC9630603 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fibrotic diseases constitute a major health problem worldwide. Fibrosis involves significant etiological heterogeneity and encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases affecting various organs. To date, many fibrosis targeted therapeutic agents failed due to inadequate efficacy and poor prognosis. In order to dissect disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic solutions for fibrosis patients, in vitro disease models have gone a long way in terms of platform development. The introduction of engineered organ-on-a-chip platforms has brought a revolutionary dimension to the current fibrosis studies and discovery of anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells and tissue engineering technologies are enabling significant progress in this field. Some of the most recent breakthroughs and emerging challenges are discussed, with an emphasis on engineering strategies for platform design, development, and application of machine learning on these models for anti-fibrotic drug discovery. In this review, we discuss engineered designs to model fibrosis and how biosensor and machine learning technologies combine to facilitate mechanistic studies of fibrosis and pre-clinical drug testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob B. Smith
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Boghdady CM, Kalashnikov N, Mok S, McCaffrey L, Moraes C. Revisiting tissue tensegrity: Biomaterial-based approaches to measure forces across length scales. APL Bioeng 2021; 5:041501. [PMID: 34632250 PMCID: PMC8487350 DOI: 10.1063/5.0046093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-generated forces play a foundational role in tissue dynamics and homeostasis and are critically important in several biological processes, including cell migration, wound healing, morphogenesis, and cancer metastasis. Quantifying such forces in vivo is technically challenging and requires novel strategies that capture mechanical information across molecular, cellular, and tissue length scales, while allowing these studies to be performed in physiologically realistic biological models. Advanced biomaterials can be designed to non-destructively measure these stresses in vitro, and here, we review mechanical characterizations and force-sensing biomaterial-based technologies to provide insight into the mechanical nature of tissue processes. We specifically and uniquely focus on the use of these techniques to identify characteristics of cell and tissue “tensegrity:” the hierarchical and modular interplay between tension and compression that provide biological tissues with remarkable mechanical properties and behaviors. Based on these observed patterns, we highlight and discuss the emerging role of tensegrity at multiple length scales in tissue dynamics from homeostasis, to morphogenesis, to pathological dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikita Kalashnikov
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | - Stephanie Mok
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3A 0C5, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu Y, Koya R, Ask K, Zhao R. Engineered microenvironment for the study of myofibroblast mechanobiology. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:588-596. [PMID: 34118169 PMCID: PMC8254796 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are mechanosensitive cells and a variety of their behaviours including differentiation, migration, force production and biosynthesis are regulated by the surrounding microenvironment. Engineered cell culture models have been developed to examine the effect of microenvironmental factors such as the substrate stiffness, the topography and strain of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the shear stress on myofibroblast biology. These engineered models provide well-mimicked, pathophysiologically relevant experimental conditions that are superior to those enabled by the conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture models. In this perspective, we will review the recent advances in the development of engineered cell culture models for myofibroblasts and outline the findings on the myofibroblast mechanobiology under various microenvironmental conditions. These studies have demonstrated the power and utility of the engineered models for the study of microenvironment-regulated cellular behaviours. The findings derived using these models contribute to a greater understanding of how myofibroblast behaviour is regulated in tissue repair and pathological scar formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Richard Koya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Biological Sciences Division, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kjetil Ask
- Department of Medicine, Div. Respirology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 4A6
- The Research Institute of St. Joe’s Hamilton, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, Hamilton, ON, Canada L8N 4A6
| | - Ruogang Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Clarke GA, Hartse BX, Niaraki Asli AE, Taghavimehr M, Hashemi N, Abbasi Shirsavar M, Montazami R, Alimoradi N, Nasirian V, Ouedraogo LJ, Hashemi NN. Advancement of Sensor Integrated Organ-on-Chip Devices. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:1367. [PMID: 33671996 PMCID: PMC7922590 DOI: 10.3390/s21041367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Organ-on-chip devices have provided the pharmaceutical and tissue engineering worlds much hope since they arrived and began to grow in sophistication. However, limitations for their applicability were soon realized as they lacked real-time monitoring and sensing capabilities. The users of these devices relied solely on endpoint analysis for the results of their tests, which created a chasm in the understanding of life between the lab the natural world. However, this gap is being bridged with sensors that are integrated into organ-on-chip devices. This review goes in-depth on different sensing methods, giving examples for various research on mechanical, electrical resistance, and bead-based sensors, and the prospects of each. Furthermore, the review covers works conducted that use specific sensors for oxygen, and various metabolites to characterize cellular behavior and response in real-time. Together, the outline of these works gives a thorough analysis of the design methodology and sophistication of the current sensor integrated organ-on-chips.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A. Clarke
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Brenna X. Hartse
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Amir Ehsan Niaraki Asli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Mehrnoosh Taghavimehr
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Niloofar Hashemi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11365, Iran;
| | - Mehran Abbasi Shirsavar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Reza Montazami
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Nima Alimoradi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Vahid Nasirian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Lionel J. Ouedraogo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
| | - Nicole N. Hashemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (G.A.C.); (B.X.H.); (A.E.N.A.); (M.T.); (M.A.S.); (R.M.); (N.A.); (V.N.); (L.J.O.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dielectrophoretic characterization of dendritic cell deformability upon maturation. Biotechniques 2020; 70:29-36. [PMID: 33138639 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2020-0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed a rapid technique for characterizing the biomechanical properties of dendritic cells using dielectrophoretic forces. It is widely recognized that maturing of dendritic cells modulates their stiffness and migration capabilities, which results in T-cell activation triggering the adaptive immune response. Therefore it is important to develop techniques for mechanophenotyping of immature and mature dendritic cells. The technique reported here utilizes nonuniform electric fields to exert a substantial force on the cells to induce cellular elongation for optical measurements. In addition, a large array of interdigitated electrodes allows multiple cells to be stretched simultaneously. Our results indicate a direct correlation between F-actin activity and deformability observed in dendritic cells, determined through mean fluorescence signal intensity of phalloidin.
Collapse
|
11
|
Nguyen AK, Kilian KA. Physicochemical Tools for Visualizing and Quantifying Cell-Generated Forces. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:1731-1746. [PMID: 32530602 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To discern how mechanical forces coordinate biological outcomes, methods that map cell-generated forces in a spatiotemporal manner, and at cellular length scales, are critical. In their native environment, whether it be within compact multicellular three-dimensional structures or sparsely populated fibrillar networks of the extracellular matrix, cells are constantly exposed to a slew of physical forces acting on them from all directions. At the same time, cells exert highly localized forces of their own on their surroundings and on neighboring cells. Together, the generation and transmission of these forces can control diverse cellular activities and behavior as well as influence cell fate decisions. To thoroughly understand these processes, we must first be able to characterize and measure such forces. However, our experimental needs and technical capabilities are in discord-while it is apparent that we should study cell-generated forces within more biologically relevant 3D environments, this goal remains challenging because of caveats associated with complex "sensing-transduction-readout" modalities. In this Review, we will discuss the latest techniques for measuring cell-generated forces. We will highlight recent advances in traction force microscopy and examine new alternative approaches for quantifying cell-generated forces, both of individual cells and within 3D tissues. Finally, we will explore the future direction of novel cellular force-sensing tools in the context of mechanobiology and next-generation biomaterials design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley K. Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Kristopher A. Kilian
- School of Chemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lendenmann T, Schneider T, Dumas J, Tarini M, Giampietro C, Bajpai A, Chen W, Gerber J, Poulikakos D, Ferrari A, Panozzo D. Cellogram: On-the-Fly Traction Force Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:6742-6750. [PMID: 31538794 PMCID: PMC11157582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b01505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Traction force microscopy (TFM) derives maps of cell-generated forces, typically in the nanonewton range, transmitted to the extracellular environment upon actuation of complex biological processes. In traditional approaches, force rendering requires a terminal, time-consuming step of cell deadhesion to obtain a reference image. A conceptually opposite approach is provided by reference-free methods, opening to the on-the-fly generation of force maps from an ongoing experiment. This requires an image processing algorithm keeping the pace of the biological phenomena under investigation. Here, we introduce an integrated software pipeline rendering force maps from single reference-free TFM images seconds to minutes after their acquisition. The algorithm tackles image processing, reference image estimation, and finite element analysis as a single problem, yielding a robust and fully automatic solution. The method's capabilities are demonstrated in two applications. First, the mechanical annihilation of cancer cells is monitored as a function of rising environmental temperature, setting a population threshold at 45 °C. Second, the fast temporal correlation of forces produced across individual cells is used to map physically connected adhesion points, yielding typical lengths that vary as a function of the cell cycle phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Lendenmann
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies and #Institute for Mechanical Systems , ETH Zurich , Zurich 8092 , Switzerland
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences , New York University , New York 10003 , United States
| | - Teseo Schneider
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences , New York University , New York 10003 , United States
| | - Jérémie Dumas
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences , New York University , New York 10003 , United States
- nTopology , New York 10013 , United States
| | - Marco Tarini
- Department of Computer Science , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milano 20133 , Italy
| | - Costanza Giampietro
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , EMPA , Dübendorf 8600 , Switzerland
| | - Apratim Bajpai
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , New York University , New York 11201 , United States
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , New York University , New York 11201 , United States
| | - Julia Gerber
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies and #Institute for Mechanical Systems , ETH Zurich , Zurich 8092 , Switzerland
| | - Dimos Poulikakos
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies and #Institute for Mechanical Systems , ETH Zurich , Zurich 8092 , Switzerland
| | - Aldo Ferrari
- Laboratory of Thermodynamics in Emerging Technologies and #Institute for Mechanical Systems , ETH Zurich , Zurich 8092 , Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology , EMPA , Dübendorf 8600 , Switzerland
| | - Daniele Panozzo
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences , New York University , New York 10003 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Huang J, Lin F, Xiong C. Mechanical characterization of single cells based on microfluidic techniques. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
14
|
Bregenzer ME, Horst EN, Mehta P, Novak CM, Raghavan S, Snyder CS, Mehta G. Integrated cancer tissue engineering models for precision medicine. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216564. [PMID: 31075118 PMCID: PMC6510431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors are not merely cancerous cells that undergo mindless proliferation. Rather, they are highly organized and interconnected organ systems. Tumor cells reside in complex microenvironments in which they are subjected to a variety of physical and chemical stimuli that influence cell behavior and ultimately the progression and maintenance of the tumor. As cancer bioengineers, it is our responsibility to create physiologic models that enable accurate understanding of the multi-dimensional structure, organization, and complex relationships in diverse tumor microenvironments. Such models can greatly expedite clinical discovery and translation by closely replicating the physiological conditions while maintaining high tunability and control of extrinsic factors. In this review, we discuss the current models that target key aspects of the tumor microenvironment and their role in cancer progression. In order to address sources of experimental variation and model limitations, we also make recommendations for methods to improve overall physiologic reproducibility, experimental repeatability, and rigor within the field. Improvements can be made through an enhanced emphasis on mathematical modeling, standardized in vitro model characterization, transparent reporting of methodologies, and designing experiments with physiological metrics. Taken together these considerations will enhance the relevance of in vitro tumor models, biological understanding, and accelerate treatment exploration ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes. Moreover, the development of robust, user-friendly models that integrate important stimuli will allow for the in-depth study of tumors as they undergo progression from non-transformed primary cells to metastatic disease and facilitate translation to a wide variety of biological and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Bregenzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Eric N. Horst
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Pooja Mehta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Caymen M. Novak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Catherine S. Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Biocompatible Cantilevers for Mechanical Characterization of Zebrafish Embryos using Image Analysis. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19071506. [PMID: 30925721 PMCID: PMC6479902 DOI: 10.3390/s19071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a force sensing system to continuously evaluate the mechanical elasticity of micrometer-scale (a few hundred micrometers to a millimeter) live tissues. The sensing is achieved by measuring the deflection of force sensitive cantilevers through microscopic image analysis, which does not require electrical strain gauges. Cantilevers made of biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were actuated by a piezoelectric actuator and functioned as a pair of chopsticks to measure the stiffness of the specimen. The dimensions of the cantilevers were easily adjusted to match the size, range, and stiffness of the zebrafish samples. In this paper, we demonstrated the versatility of this technique by measuring the mechanical elasticity of zebrafish embryos at different stages of development. The stiffness of zebrafish embryos was measured once per hour for 9 h. From the experimental results, we successfully quantified the stiffness change of zebrafish embryos during embryonic development.
Collapse
|
16
|
Rosowski KA, Boltyanskiy R, Xiang Y, Van den Dries K, Schwartz MA, Dufresne ER. Vinculin and the mechanical response of adherent fibroblasts to matrix deformation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17967. [PMID: 30568231 PMCID: PMC6299284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36272-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to the mechanics of their environment. Mechanical cues include extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and deformation, which are primarily sensed through integrin-mediated adhesions. We investigated the impact of ECM deformation on cellular forces, measuring the time-evolution of traction forces of isolated mouse fibroblasts in response to stretch and release. Stretch triggered a marked increase of traction stresses and apparent stiffness. Expression of the focal adhesion protein vinculin not only increased baseline traction forces, but also increased dissipation of mechanical energy, which was correlated with the cells’ failure to recover baseline traction forces after release of stretch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Rosowski
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Rostislav Boltyanskiy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Yingjie Xiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Koen Van den Dries
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Departments of Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Eric R Dufresne
- Department of Materials, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Basoli F, Giannitelli SM, Gori M, Mozetic P, Bonfanti A, Trombetta M, Rainer A. Biomechanical Characterization at the Cell Scale: Present and Prospects. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1449. [PMID: 30498449 PMCID: PMC6249385 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapidly growing field of mechanobiology demands for robust and reproducible characterization of cell mechanical properties. Recent achievements in understanding the mechanical regulation of cell fate largely rely on technological platforms capable of probing the mechanical response of living cells and their physico–chemical interaction with the microenvironment. Besides the established family of atomic force microscopy (AFM) based methods, other approaches include optical, magnetic, and acoustic tweezers, as well as sensing substrates that take advantage of biomaterials chemistry and microfabrication techniques. In this review, we introduce the available methods with an emphasis on the most recent advances, and we discuss the challenges associated with their implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Basoli
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Manuele Gori
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Pamela Mozetic
- Center for Translational Medicine, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Alessandra Bonfanti
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcella Trombetta
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Rainer
- Department of Engineering, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnologies, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li H, Papageorgiou DP, Chang HY, Lu L, Yang J, Deng Y. Synergistic Integration of Laboratory and Numerical Approaches in Studies of the Biomechanics of Diseased Red Blood Cells. BIOSENSORS 2018; 8:E76. [PMID: 30103419 PMCID: PMC6164935 DOI: 10.3390/bios8030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In red blood cell (RBC) disorders, such as sickle cell disease, hereditary spherocytosis, and diabetes, alterations to the size and shape of RBCs due to either mutations of RBC proteins or changes to the extracellular environment, lead to compromised cell deformability, impaired cell stability, and increased propensity to aggregate. Numerous laboratory approaches have been implemented to elucidate the pathogenesis of RBC disorders. Concurrently, computational RBC models have been developed to simulate the dynamics of RBCs under physiological and pathological conditions. In this work, we review recent laboratory and computational studies of disordered RBCs. Distinguished from previous reviews, we emphasize how experimental techniques and computational modeling can be synergically integrated to improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of hematological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Li
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Dimitrios P Papageorgiou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Hung-Yu Chang
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Lu Lu
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Yixiang Deng
- Division of Applied Mathematics, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jaiswal D, Cowley N, Bian Z, Zheng G, Claffey KP, Hoshino K. Stiffness analysis of 3D spheroids using microtweezers. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188346. [PMID: 29166651 PMCID: PMC5699838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel mechanical characterization method that has directly measured the stiffness of cancer spheroids for the first time to our knowledge. Stiffness is known to be a key parameter that characterizes cancerous and normal cells. Atomic force microscopy or optical tweezers have been typically used for characterization of single cells with the measurable forces ranging from sub pN to a few hundred nN, which are not suitable for measurement of larger 3D cellular structures such as spheroids, whose mechanical characteristics have not been fully studied. Here, we developed microtweezers that measure forces from sub hundred nN to mN. The wide force range was achieved by the use of replaceable cantilevers fabricated from SU8, and brass. The chopstick-like motion of the two cantilevers facilitates easy handling of samples and microscopic observation for mechanical characterization. The cantilever bending was optically tracked to find the applied force and sample stiffness. The efficacy of the method was demonstrated through stiffness measurement of agarose pillars with known concentrations. Following the initial system evaluation with agarose, two cancerous (T47D and BT474) and one normal epithelial (MCF 10A) breast cell lines were used to conduct multi-cellular spheroid measurements to find Young’s moduli of 230, 420 and 1250 Pa for BT474, T47D, and MCF 10A, respectively. The results showed that BT474 and T47D spheroids are six and three times softer than epithelial MCF10A spheroids, respectively. Our method successfully characterized samples with wide range of Young’s modulus including agarose (25–100 kPa), spheroids of cancerous and non-malignant cells (190–200 μm, 230–1250 Pa) and collagenase-treated spheroids (215 μm, 130 Pa).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devina Jaiswal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Norah Cowley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Zichao Bian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Guoan Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kevin P. Claffey
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Kazunori Hoshino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mehrnezhad A, Park K. Multifrequency Optomechanical Stiffness Measurement of Single Adherent Cells on a Solid Substrate with High Throughput. Anal Chem 2017; 89:10841-10849. [PMID: 28895727 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b02356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of a cell reflect its biological and pathological conditions and there have been active research efforts to develop high-throughput platforms to mechanically characterize single cells. Yet, many of these research efforts are focused on suspended cells and use a flow-through configuration. In this paper, the stiffness of single adherent cells are optomechanically characterized using the vibration-induced phase shift (VIPS) without detaching them from the substrate. With the VIPS measurements, the frequency and amplitude dependency of the cell stiffness is investigated and statistically significant difference in the cell stiffness is confirmed after exposure to various drugs affecting cytoskeleton network. Furthermore, a 3-dimensional finite element model of a cell on a vibrating substrate is developed to extract the mechanical property from the measured VIPS. The developed technique can characterize the mechanical properties of single adherent cells at multiple frequencies with high throughput and will provide valuable clues in understanding cell mechanics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mehrnezhad
- Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering Building, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809, United States
| | - Kidong Park
- Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering Building, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang Y, Liao K, Li C, Lai ACK, Foo JJ, Chan V. Progress in Integrative Biomaterial Systems to Approach Three-Dimensional Cell Mechanotransduction. Bioengineering (Basel) 2017; 4:E72. [PMID: 28952551 PMCID: PMC5615318 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering4030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanotransduction between cells and the extracellular matrix regulates major cellular functions in physiological and pathological situations. The effect of mechanical cues on biochemical signaling triggered by cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions on model biomimetic surfaces has been extensively investigated by a combination of fabrication, biophysical, and biological methods. To simulate the in vivo physiological microenvironment in vitro, three dimensional (3D) microstructures with tailored bio-functionality have been fabricated on substrates of various materials. However, less attention has been paid to the design of 3D biomaterial systems with geometric variances, such as the possession of precise micro-features and/or bio-sensing elements for probing the mechanical responses of cells to the external microenvironment. Such precisely engineered 3D model experimental platforms pave the way for studying the mechanotransduction of multicellular aggregates under controlled geometric and mechanical parameters. Concurrently with the progress in 3D biomaterial fabrication, cell traction force microscopy (CTFM) developed in the field of cell biophysics has emerged as a highly sensitive technique for probing the mechanical stresses exerted by cells onto the opposing deformable surface. In the current work, we first review the recent advances in the fabrication of 3D micropatterned biomaterials which enable the seamless integration with experimental cell mechanics in a controlled 3D microenvironment. Then, we discuss the role of collective cell-cell interactions in the mechanotransduction of engineered tissue equivalents determined by such integrative biomaterial systems under simulated physiological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
| | - Kin Liao
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
| | - Chuan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Alvin C K Lai
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Ji-Jinn Foo
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Vincent Chan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, UAE.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sheets K, Wang J, Zhao W, Kapania R, Nain AS. Nanonet Force Microscopy for Measuring Cell Forces. Biophys J 2017; 111:197-207. [PMID: 27410747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of physical forces exerted by or felt by cells on cell shape, migration, and cytoskeleton arrangement is now widely acknowledged and hypothesized to occur due to modulation of cellular inside-out forces in response to changes in the external fibrous environment (outside-in). Our previous work using the non-electrospinning Spinneret-based Tunable Engineered Parameters' suspended fibers has revealed that cells are able to sense and respond to changes in fiber curvature and structural stiffness as evidenced by alterations to focal adhesion cluster lengths. Here, we present the development and application of a suspended nanonet platform for measuring C2C12 mouse myoblast forces attached to fibers of three diameters (250, 400, and 800 nm) representing a wide range of structural stiffness (3-50 nN/μm). The nanonet force microscopy platform measures cell adhesion forces in response to symmetric and asymmetric external perturbation in single and cyclic modes. We find that contractility-based, inside-out forces are evenly distributed at the edges of the cell, and that forces are dependent on fiber structural stiffness. Additionally, external perturbation in symmetric and asymmetric modes biases cell-fiber failure location without affecting the outside-in forces of cell-fiber adhesion. We then extend the platform to measure forces of (1) cell-cell junctions, (2) single cells undergoing cyclic perturbation in the presence of drugs, and (3) cancerous single-cells transitioning from a blebbing to a pseudopodial morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Sheets
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Ji Wang
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Wei Zhao
- Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Rakesh Kapania
- Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Amrinder S Nain
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia; Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang Y, Gong J, Wirtz D, Schafer BW. Affine and non-affine deformations quantified in cytoskeletal networks through three-dimensional form-finding model. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 72:52-65. [PMID: 28448922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Actin filaments and cross-linkers are main components of cytoskeletal networks in eukaryotic cells, and they support bending moments and axial forces respectively. A three-dimensional form-finding model is proposed in this work to investigate affine and non-affine deformations in cytoskeletal networks. In recent studies, modeling of cytoskeletal networks turns out to be a key piece in the cell mechanics puzzle. We used form-finding analysis to compute and analyze cytoskeletal models. A three-dimensional model is much more flexible and contains more elements than a two-dimensional model, and non-linear finite element analysis is difficult to converge. Thus, vector form intrinsic finite element analysis is employed here for valid results. The three-dimensional model reveals new behaviors beyond earlier two-dimensional models and better aligns with available data. Relative density of actin filaments and height of the form-finding model both play important roles in determining cytoskeletal stiffness, positively and negatively, respectively. Real cytoskeletal networks are quite mixed in terms of affine and non-affine deformations, which are quantified by internal strain energy in actin filaments and cross-linkers. Results are also influenced by actin filament relative density and height of the model. The three-dimensional form-finding model does provide much more room for intensive studies on cytoskeletal networks. In our future study, microtubules, fluidics, viscoelastic-plastic cross-linkers and even the whole cell model may be taken into account gradually to improve the cytoskeletal form-finding model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wang
- School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jinghai Gong
- School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Benjamin W Schafer
- Department of Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Srivastava N, Kay RR, Kabla AJ. Method to study cell migration under uniaxial compression. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:809-816. [PMID: 28122819 PMCID: PMC5349787 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-08-0575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A method is described for imposing mechanical compression on individual cells while monitoring their morphology and migratory phenotype. A compression of the order of 500 Pa flattens the cells by up to 50% and triggers a transition in the mode of migration. This approach is convenient for studying mechanotransduction in confined environments. The chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the extracellular environment have a strong effect on cell migration. Aspects such as pore size or stiffness of the matrix influence the selection of the mechanism used by cells to propel themselves, including by pseudopods or blebbing. How a cell perceives its environment and how such a cue triggers a change in behavior are largely unknown, but mechanics is likely to be involved. Because mechanical conditions are often controlled by modifying the composition of the environment, separating chemical and physical contributions is difficult and requires multiple controls. Here we propose a simple method to impose a mechanical compression on individual cells without altering the composition of the matrix. Live imaging during compression provides accurate information about the cell's morphology and migratory phenotype. Using Dictyostelium as a model, we observe that a compression of the order of 500 Pa flattens the cells under gel by up to 50%. This uniaxial compression directly triggers a transition in the mode of migration from primarily pseudopodial to bleb driven in <30 s. This novel device is therefore capable of influencing cell migration in real time and offers a convenient approach with which to systematically study mechanotransduction in confined environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nishit Srivastava
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Robert R Kay
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandre J Kabla
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
The radius of curvature affects cell body characteristics on microfabricated concave microgrooves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baoce Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
- City University of Hong Kong
- China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience and Nanotechnology
- City University of Hong Kong
| | - Kai Xie
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
- City University of Hong Kong
- China
| | - Ting-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
- City University of Hong Kong
- China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute
- Shenzhen
| | - Raymond H. W. Lam
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
- City University of Hong Kong
- China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience and Nanotechnology
- City University of Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lin HH, Lin HK, Lin IH, Chiou YW, Chen HW, Liu CY, Harn HIC, Chiu WT, Wang YK, Shen MR, Tang MJ. Mechanical phenotype of cancer cells: cell softening and loss of stiffness sensing. Oncotarget 2016; 6:20946-58. [PMID: 26189182 PMCID: PMC4673241 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The stiffness sensing ability is required to respond to the stiffness of the matrix. Here we determined whether normal cells and cancer cells display distinct mechanical phenotypes. Cancer cells were softer than their normal counterparts, regardless of the type of cancer (breast, bladder, cervix, pancreas, or Ha-RasV12-transformed cells). When cultured on matrices of varying stiffness, low stiffness decreased proliferation in normal cells, while cancer cells and transformed cells lost this response. Thus, cancer cells undergo a change in their mechanical phenotype that includes cell softening and loss of stiffness sensing. Caveolin-1, which is suppressed in many tumor cells and in oncogene-transformed cells, regulates the mechanical phenotype. Caveolin-1-upregulated RhoA activity and Y397FAK phosphorylation directed actin cap formation, which was positively correlated with cell elasticity and stiffness sensing in fibroblasts. Ha-RasV12-induced transformation and changes in the mechanical phenotypes were reversed by re-expression of caveolin-1 and mimicked by the suppression of caveolin-1 in normal fibroblasts. This is the first study to describe this novel role for caveolin-1, linking mechanical phenotype to cell transformation. Furthermore, mechanical characteristics may serve as biomarkers for cell transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsi-Hui Lin
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Kuan Lin
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Chiou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Horn-Wei Chen
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yi Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hans I-Chen Harn
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tai Chiu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Kao Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ru Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Tang
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Atomic force microscopy indentation and inverse analysis for non-linear viscoelastic identification of breast cancer cells. Math Biosci 2016; 277:77-88. [PMID: 27107978 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MCF-10A) are studied through indentation with spherical borosilicate glass particles in atomic force microscopy (AFM) contact mode in fluid. Their mechanical properties are obtained by analyzing the recorded reaction force-time response. The analysis is based on comparing experimental data with predictions from finite element (FE) simulation. Here, FE modeling is employed to simulate the AFM indentation experiment which is neither a displacement nor a force controlled test. This approach is expected to overcome many underlying problems of the widely used models such as Hertz contact model due to its capability to capture the contact behaviors between the spherical indentor and the cell, account for cell geometry, and incorporate with large strain theory. In this work, a non-linear viscoelastic (NLV) model in which the viscoelastic part is described by Prony series terms is used for the constitutive model of the cells. The time-dependent material parameters are extracted through an inverse analysis with the use of a surrogate model based on a Kriging estimator. The purpose is to automatically extract the NLV properties of the cells with a more efficient process compared to the iterative inverse technique that has been mostly applied in the literature. The method also allows the use of FE modeling in the analysis of a large amount of experimental data. The NLV parameters are compared between MCF-7 and MCF-10A and MCF-10A treated and untreated with the drug Cytochalasin D to examine the possibility of using relaxation properties as biomarkers for distinguishing these types of breast cancer cells. The comparisons indicate that malignant cells (MCF-7) are softer and exhibit more relaxation than benign cells (MCF-10A). Disrupting the cytoskeleton using the drug Cytochalasin D also results in a larger amount of relaxation in the cell's response. In addition, relaxation properties indicate larger differences as compared to the elastic moduli like instantaneous shear modulus. These results may be useful for disease diagnosing purposes.
Collapse
|
28
|
Microfluidic assay-based optical measurement techniques for cell analysis: A review of recent progress. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 77:227-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.07.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
29
|
Ribeiro AJS, Denisin AK, Wilson RE, Pruitt BL. For whom the cells pull: Hydrogel and micropost devices for measuring traction forces. Methods 2016; 94:51-64. [PMID: 26265073 PMCID: PMC4746112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
While performing several functions, adherent cells deform their surrounding substrate via stable adhesions that connect the intracellular cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. The traction forces that deform the substrate are studied in mechanotrasduction because they are affected by the mechanics of the extracellular milieu. We review the development and application of two methods widely used to measure traction forces generated by cells on 2D substrates: (i) traction force microscopy with polyacrylamide hydrogels and (ii) calculation of traction forces with arrays of deformable microposts. Measuring forces with these methods relies on measuring substrate displacements and converting them into forces. We describe approaches to determine force from displacements and elaborate on the necessary experimental conditions for this type of analysis. We emphasize device fabrication, mechanical calibration of substrates and covalent attachment of extracellular matrix proteins to substrates as key features in the design of experiments to measure cell traction forces with polyacrylamide hydrogels or microposts. We also report the challenges and achievements in integrating these methods with platforms for the mechanical stimulation of adherent cells. The approaches described here will enable new studies to understand cell mechanical outputs as a function of mechanical inputs and advance the understanding of mechanotransduction mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre J S Ribeiro
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Aleksandra K Denisin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Robin E Wilson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Beth L Pruitt
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Integrated Circuit-Based Biofabrication with Common Biomaterials for Probing Cellular Biomechanics. Trends Biotechnol 2016; 34:171-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
31
|
O'Toole M, Lamoureux P, Miller KE. Measurement of subcellular force generation in neurons. Biophys J 2016; 108:1027-37. [PMID: 25762315 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Forces are important for neuronal outgrowth during the initial wiring of the nervous system and after trauma, yet subcellular force generation over the microtubule-rich region at the rear of the growth cone and along the axon has never, to our knowledge, been directly measured. Because previous studies have indicated microtubule polymerization and the microtubule-associated proteins Kinesin-1 and dynein all generate forces that push microtubules forward, a major question is whether the net forces in these regions are contractile or expansive. A challenge in addressing this is that measuring local subcellular force generation is difficult. Here we develop an analytical mathematical model that describes the relationship between unequal subcellular forces arranged in series within the neuron and the net overall tension measured externally. Using force-calibrated towing needles to measure and apply forces, in combination with docked mitochondria to monitor subcellular strain, we then directly measure force generation over the rear of the growth cone and along the axon of chick sensory neurons. We find the rear of the growth cone generates 2.0 nN of contractile force, the axon generates 0.6 nN of contractile force, and that the net overall tension generated by the neuron is 1.3 nN. This work suggests that the forward bulk flow of the cytoskeletal framework that occurs during axonal elongation and growth-cone pauses arises because strong contractile forces in the rear of the growth cone pull material forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O'Toole
- Department of Mathematics, Kettering University, Flint, Michigan
| | - Phillip Lamoureux
- Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Kyle E Miller
- Department of Zoology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Goedecke N, Bollhalder M, Bernet R, Silvan U, Snedeker J. Easy and Accurate Mechano-profiling on Micropost Arrays. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 26650118 DOI: 10.3791/53350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell culture substrates with integrated flexible microposts enable a user to study the mechanical interactions between cells and their immediate surroundings. Particularly, cell-substrate interactions are the main interest. Today micropost arrays are a well-characterized and established method with a broad range of applications that have been published over the last decade. However, there seems to be a reservation among biologists to adapt the technique due to the lengthy and challenging process of micropost manufacture along with the lack of easily approachable software for analyzing images of cells interacting with microposts. The force read-out from microposts is surprisingly easy. A micropost acts like a spring with the cell ideally attached at its tip. Depending on size a cell applies force from its cytoskeleton through one or multiple focal adhesion points to the micropost, thus deflecting the micropost. The amount of deflection correlates directly to the applied force in direction and in magnitude. The number of microposts covered by a cell and the post deflection patterns are characteristic and allow determination of values like force per post and many biologically relevant parameters that allow "mechano-profiling" of cell phenotypes. A convenient method for mechano-profiling is described here combining the first generation of ready-to-use commercially available microposts with an in-house developed software package that is now accessible to all researchers. As a demonstration of typical application, single images of bone cancer cells were taken in bright-field microscopy for mechano-profiling of cell line models of metastasis. This combination of commercial traction force sensors and open source software for analysis allows for the first time a rapid implementation of the micropost array technique into routine lab work done by non-expert users. Furthermore, a robust and streamlined analysis process enables a user to analyze a large number of micropost images in a highly time-efficient manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Remo Bernet
- University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital
| | - Unai Silvan
- University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital
| | - Jess Snedeker
- University of Zurich, Balgrist University Hospital; Institute for Biomechanics, ETH Zurich;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Single cell active force generation under dynamic loading - Part I: AFM experiments. Acta Biomater 2015; 27:236-250. [PMID: 26360596 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of experiments are performed on single cells using a bespoke AFM system where the response of cells to dynamic loading at physiologically relevant frequencies is uncovered. Measured forces for the untreated cells are dramatically different to cytochalasin-D (cyto-D) treated cells, indicating that the contractile actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role in the response of cells to dynamic loading. Following a change in applied strain magnitude, while maintaining a constant applied strain rate, the compression force for contractile cells recovers to 88.9±7.8% of the steady state force. In contrast, cyto-D cell compression forces recover to only 38.0±6.7% of the steady state force. Additionally, untreated cells exhibit strongly negative (pulling) forces during unloading half-cycles when the probe is retracted. In comparison, negligible pulling forces are measured for cyto-D cells during probe retraction. The current study demonstrates that active contractile forces, generated by actin-myosin cross-bridge cycling, dominate the response of single cells to dynamic loading. Such active force generation is shown to be independent of applied strain magnitude. Passive forces generated by the applied deformation are shown to be of secondary importance, exhibiting a high dependence on applied strain magnitude, in contrast to the active forces in untreated cells. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE A novel series of experiments are performed on single cells using a bespoke AFM system where the response of cells to dynamic loading at physiologically relevant frequencies is uncovered. Contractile cells, which contain the active force generation machinery of the actin cytoskeleton, are shown to be insensitive to applied strain magnitude, exhibiting high resistance to dynamic compression and stretching. Such trends are not observed for cells in which the actin cytoskeleton has been chemically disrupted. These biomechanical insights have not been previously reported. This detailed characterisation of single cell active and passive stress during dynamic loading has important implications for tissue engineering strategies, where applied deformation has been reported to significantly affect cell mechanotransduction and matrix synthesis.
Collapse
|
34
|
Sehring IM, Recho P, Denker E, Kourakis M, Mathiesen B, Hannezo E, Dong B, Jiang D. Assembly and positioning of actomyosin rings by contractility and planar cell polarity. eLife 2015; 4:e09206. [PMID: 26486861 PMCID: PMC4612727 DOI: 10.7554/elife.09206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The actomyosin cytoskeleton is a primary force-generating mechanism in morphogenesis, thus a robust spatial control of cytoskeletal positioning is essential. In this report, we demonstrate that actomyosin contractility and planar cell polarity (PCP) interact in post-mitotic Ciona notochord cells to self-assemble and reposition actomyosin rings, which play an essential role for cell elongation. Intriguingly, rings always form at the cells' anterior edge before migrating towards the center as contractility increases, reflecting a novel dynamical property of the cortex. Our drug and genetic manipulations uncover a tug-of-war between contractility, which localizes cortical flows toward the equator and PCP, which tries to reposition them. We develop a simple model of the physical forces underlying this tug-of-war, which quantitatively reproduces our results. We thus propose a quantitative framework for dissecting the relative contribution of contractility and PCP to the self-assembly and repositioning of cytoskeletal structures, which should be applicable to other morphogenetic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne M Sehring
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Pierre Recho
- Department of Physico-Chemistry of Living Matter, Institut Curie, Paris, France.,Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elsa Denker
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Matthew Kourakis
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, United States
| | - Birthe Mathiesen
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Edouard Hannezo
- Department of Physico-Chemistry of Living Matter, Institut Curie, Paris, France.,The Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology,
| | - Di Jiang
- Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Geng Y, Wang Z. Review of cellular mechanotransduction on micropost substrates. Med Biol Eng Comput 2015; 54:249-71. [PMID: 26245253 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-015-1343-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
As physical entities, living cells can sense and respond to various stimulations within and outside the body through cellular mechanotransduction. Any deviation in cellular mechanotransduction will not only undermine the orchestrated regulation of mechanical responses, but also lead to the breakdown of their physiological function. Therefore, a quantitative study of cellular mechanotransduction needs to be conducted both in experiments and in computational simulations to investigate the underlying mechanisms of cellular mechanotransduction. In this review, we present an overview of the current knowledge and significant progress in cellular mechanotransduction via micropost substrates. In the aspect of experimental studies, we summarize significant experimental progress and place an emphasis on the coupled relationship among cellular spreading, focal adhesion and contractility as well as the influence of substrate properties on force-involved cellular behaviors. In the other aspect of computational investigations, we outline a coupled framework including the biochemically motivated stress fiber model and thermodynamically motivated adhesion model and present their predicted biomechanical responses and then compare predicted simulation results with experimental observations to further explore the mechanisms of cellular mechanotransduction. At last, we discuss the future perspectives both in experimental technologies and in computational models, as well as facing challenges in the area of cellular mechanotransduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxu Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Zhanjiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Koh JBY, Marcos . Dielectrophoresis of spermatozoa in viscoelastic medium. Electrophoresis 2015; 36:1514-21. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Boon Yong Koh
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Nanyang Technological University; Singapore
| | - Marcos
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Nanyang Technological University; Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Yamaguchi S, Coelho PG, Thompson VP, Tovar N, Yamauchi J, Imazato S. Dynamic finite element analysis and moving particle simulation of human enamel on a microscale. Comput Biol Med 2014; 55:53-60. [PMID: 25450219 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study of biomechanics of deformation and fracture of hard biological tissues involving organic matrix remains a challenge as variations in mechanical properties and fracture mode may have time-dependency. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been widely used but the shortcomings of FEA such as the long computation time owing to re-meshing in simulating fracture mechanics have warranted the development of alternative computational methods with higher throughput. The aim of this study was to compare dynamic two-dimensional FEA and moving particle simulation (MPS) when assuming a plane strain condition in the modeling of human enamel on a reduced scale. METHODS Two-dimensional models with the same geometry were developed for MPS and FEA and tested in tension generated with a single step of displacement. The displacement, velocity, pressure, and stress levels were compared and Spearman׳s rank-correlation coefficients R were calculated (p<0.001). RESULTS The MPS and FEA were significantly correlated for displacement, velocity, pressure, and Y-stress. CONCLUSIONS The MPS may be further developed as an alternative approach without mesh generation to simulate deformation and fracture phenomena of dental and potentially other hard tissues with complex microstructure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Yamaguchi
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Paulo G Coelho
- Department of Biomaterials and Biomimetics, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 E 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Van P Thompson
- Department of Biomaterials, Biomimetics and Biophotonics, King׳s College London, Dental Institute, Guy׳s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Nick Tovar
- Department of Biomaterials and Biomimetics, New York University College of Dentistry, 345 E 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Junpei Yamauchi
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoshi Imazato
- Department of Biomaterials Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Stiffness versus prestress relationship at subcellular length scale. J Biomech 2014; 47:3222-5. [PMID: 25138630 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Local intracellular variations of cell mechanical properties, which are essential for vital cellular functions, have not been well characterized and are poorly understood. Here, we used results from our previous biomechanical imaging study to obtain relationships between intracellular shear modulus and prestress. We found that the subcellular shear modulus vs. prestress relationships exhibited positive linear correlations, consistent with previously observed behaviors at the whole cell and tissue levels. This, in turn, suggests that the prestress may be a unifying factor that determines material properties of living matter at different length scales.
Collapse
|
39
|
Ingber DE, Wang N, Stamenović D. Tensegrity, cellular biophysics, and the mechanics of living systems. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2014; 77:046603. [PMID: 24695087 PMCID: PMC4112545 DOI: 10.1088/0034-4885/77/4/046603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The recent convergence between physics and biology has led many physicists to enter the fields of cell and developmental biology. One of the most exciting areas of interest has been the emerging field of mechanobiology that centers on how cells control their mechanical properties, and how physical forces regulate cellular biochemical responses, a process that is known as mechanotransduction. In this article, we review the central role that tensegrity (tensional integrity) architecture, which depends on tensile prestress for its mechanical stability, plays in biology. We describe how tensional prestress is a critical governor of cell mechanics and function, and how use of tensegrity by cells contributes to mechanotransduction. Theoretical tensegrity models are also described that predict both quantitative and qualitative behaviors of living cells, and these theoretical descriptions are placed in context of other physical models of the cell. In addition, we describe how tensegrity is used at multiple size scales in the hierarchy of life—from individual molecules to whole living organisms—to both stabilize three-dimensional form and to channel forces from the macroscale to the nanoscale, thereby facilitating mechanochemical conversion at the molecular level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald E. Ingber
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Boston Children’s Hospital, 3 Blackfan Circle, CLSB5, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 W. Green St, Urbana, IL 61801
| | - Dimitrije Stamenović
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Division of Material Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Shao Y, Fu J. Integrated micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials for cell mechanics and mechanobiology: a materials perspective. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2014; 26:1494-533. [PMID: 24339188 PMCID: PMC4076293 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201304431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials in the last two decades has empowered materials scientists and bioengineers to precisely control different aspects of the in vitro cell microenvironment. Following a philosophy of reductionism, many studies using synthetic functional biomaterials have revealed instructive roles of individual extracellular biophysical and biochemical cues in regulating cellular behaviors. Development of integrated micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials to study complex and emergent biological phenomena has also thrived rapidly in recent years, revealing adaptive and integrated cellular behaviors closely relevant to human physiological and pathological conditions. Working at the interface between materials science and engineering, biology, and medicine, we are now at the beginning of a great exploration using micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials for both fundamental biology study and clinical and biomedical applications such as regenerative medicine and drug screening. In this review, an overview of state of the art micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials that can control precisely individual aspects of cell-microenvironment interactions is presented and they are highlighted them as well-controlled platforms for mechanistic studies of mechano-sensitive and -responsive cellular behaviors and integrative biology research. The recent exciting trend where micro/nanoengineered biomaterials are integrated into miniaturized biological and biomimetic systems for dynamic multiparametric microenvironmental control of emergent and integrated cellular behaviors is also discussed. The impact of integrated micro/nanoengineered functional biomaterials for future in vitro studies of regenerative medicine, cell biology, as well as human development and disease models are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shao
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109 (USA)
| | - Jianping Fu
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109 (USA). Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109 (USA)
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Shao Y, Mann JM, Chen W, Fu J. Global architecture of the F-actin cytoskeleton regulates cell shape-dependent endothelial mechanotransduction. Integr Biol (Camb) 2014; 6:300-11. [PMID: 24435061 PMCID: PMC3963173 DOI: 10.1039/c3ib40223a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Uniaxial stretch is an important biophysical regulator of cell morphology (or shape) and functions of vascular endothelial cells (ECs). However, it is unclear whether and how cell shape can independently regulate EC mechanotransductive properties under uniaxial stretch. Herein, utilizing a novel uniaxial cell-stretching device integrated with micropost force sensors, we reported the first experimental evidence showing cell shape-dependent EC mechanotransduction via cytoskeleton (CSK) contractile forces in response to uniaxial stretch. Combining experiments and theoretical modeling from first principles, we showed that it was the global architecture of the F-actin CSK that instructed the cell shape-dependent EC mechanotransductive process. Furthermore, a cell shape-dependent nature was relayed in EC mechanotransduction via dynamic focal adhesion (FA) assembly. Our results suggested a novel mechanotransductive process in ECs wherein the global architecture of the F-actin CSK, governed by cell shape, controls mechanotransduction via CSK contractile forces and force-dependent FA assembly under uniaxial stretch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gong J, Zhang D, Tseng Y, Li B, Wirtz D, Schafer BW. Form-finding model shows how cytoskeleton network stiffness is realized. PLoS One 2013; 8:e77417. [PMID: 24146992 PMCID: PMC3798660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0077417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells the actin-cytoskeletal network provides stiffness and the driving force that contributes to changes in cell shape and cell motility, but the elastic behavior of this network is not well understood. In this paper a two dimensional form-finding model is proposed to investigate the elasticity of the actin filament network. Utilizing an initially random array of actin filaments and actin-cross-linking proteins the form-finding model iterates until the random array is brought into a stable equilibrium configuration. With some care given to actin filament density and length, distance between host sites for cross-linkers, and overall domain size the resulting configurations from the form-finding model are found to be topologically similar to cytoskeletal networks in real cells. The resulting network may then be mechanically exercised to explore how the actin filaments deform and align under load and the sensitivity of the network’s stiffness to actin filament density, length, etc. Results of the model are consistent with the experimental literature, e.g. actin filaments tend to re-orient in the direction of stretching; and the filament relative density, filament length, and actin-cross-linking protein’s relative density, control the actin-network stiffness. The model provides a ready means of extension to more complicated domains and a three-dimensional form-finding model is under development as well as models studying the formation of actin bundles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghai Gong
- Department of Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daxu Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiider Tseng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Baolong Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Benjamin William Schafer
- Department of Civil Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Elson EL, Genin GM. The role of mechanics in actin stress fiber kinetics. Exp Cell Res 2013; 319:2490-500. [PMID: 23906923 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic responses of actin stress fibers within a cell's cytoskeleton are central to the development and maintenance of healthy tissues and organs. Disturbances to these underlie a broad range of pathologies. Because of the importance of these responses, extensive experiments have been conducted in vitro to characterize actin cytoskeleton dynamics of cells cultured upon two-dimensional substrata, and the first experiments have been conducted for cells within three-dimensional tissue models. Three mathematical models exist for predicting the dynamic behaviors observed. Surprisingly, despite differing viewpoints on how actin stress fibers are stabilized or destabilized, all of these models are predictive of a broad range of available experimental data. Coarsely, the models of Kaunas and co-workers adopt a strategy whereby mechanical stretch can hasten the depolymerization actin stress fibers that turn over constantly, while the models of Desphande and co-workers adopt a strategy whereby mechanical stress is required to activate the formation of stress fibers and subsequently stabilize them. In three-dimensional culture, elements of both approaches appear necessary to predict observed phenomena, as embodied by the model of Lee et al. After providing a critical review of existing models, we propose lines of experimentation that might be able to test the different principles underlying their kinetic laws.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E L Elson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|